We are raising money in memory of our friend John Slavin to support CALM and spread sunflowers far and wide.

Why sunflowers?

John loved them and by growing them we will bring back a bit of the light and colour that has been missing from the world since his passing.

Gardening can also be a great way to combat depression and sunflowers are really easy to grow too.

What is #JohnSlavinSunflowers2019 all about?

A competitive gardening challenge in memory of our friend John Slavin who passed away at the beginning of 2018. You don't need to have known John to take part - the more the merrier.

The rules are simple: whoever can grow the largest sunflower by the end of August will be crowned the winner.

How can I join in the competition?

The format for the 2019  is slightly different to last year in order to get as many people involved as possible.

Simply purchase some sunflower seeds, plant them in your garden/office/where-ever you an find some soil and sun, and then we'll measure them at the end of August to decide on who's is the largest.

If you want to donate to CALM via this page then please do.

What did you do in 2018?

We raised more than £3,000 via the #JohnSlavinSunflowers2018 competition and the London Revolution cycle challenge. 

Our 2018 competition winners were as follows:

1st place - Lesley Pipe 325cm
2nd place - Sue Baker 320cm
3rd place - Steve Megson - 307cm

What was London Revolution all about?

A gruelling 300km (186 mile) feat of cycling endurance undertaken by Volvo's Chris Mullord.

Chris said: "Of the events I saw John at, he always had a story to tell, would always crack a smile and was a good laugh to talk to. Unbeknown, John was dealing with some inside demons.

"Once word spread of what had happened there was a universal outpouring of sorrow with a number of others admitting they were also dealing with things that people weren’t aware of."

The ride took place on May 12th and 13th 2018, in and around London, and Chris carried a sunflower with him.